A pleated air filter should be replaced every 30-60 days, while a 2-fold air filter should be changed every 3 months. A 3-fold air filter should be replaced every 120 days, and a 4-fold air filter should be changed every 6 months. The only way to determine the exact frequency of filter changes is to inspect the filter every month. After a few months, you'll get an idea of how quickly it gets dirty.
If you have a new pet or if the outdoor air quality has been poor, you'll need to reassess the situation. As the filter traps more dirt, dust, and allergens from the air, its efficiency decreases. If you wait too long to change the filter, indoor air quality will suffer. If you live alone without pets and with good surrounding outdoor air quality, the manufacturer's recommendations will likely work well for you.
When the air cleaner is clogged, the HVAC unit requires a lot of extra work to circulate fresh air throughout the house; this extra work requires more electricity. Investing in a relatively inexpensive air filter and replacing it at the right time can save you a lot of money on repairs. A clogged air filter means that the blower has to work harder, which reduces its lifespan and heats or cools your home less efficiently. There is no set service life for an air filter; rather, it requires an evaluation of many different aspects. For example, a family of four will need to change their air filters more often than a single person's home. However, these appliances are often built with smaller filters and may need to be changed as often as a filter in a larger home.
Air filters should be changed regularly in your home to keep the system running smoothly and maintain optimal air quality. A professional can help you if there is a particular protocol for changing the air filter of a specific brand or how often an air filter needs to be changed. The lifespan of an air filter also depends on the size of the home, as larger homes circulate more air through the air filters. A vacation home where you only live part-time will need far fewer filter changes than a large family home with numerous occupants. In addition, not replacing the air filter accordingly can cause your energy bill to rise, as clogged filters cause the system to work harder when air circulates. More occupants and larger houses mean more dust is created and raised that will eventually reach the air filter.
A typical manufacturer recommends replacing air filters every 30 to 90 days; however, this depends on the life of the filter and other environmental factors within the home. Numerous contaminants and debris, including excess dust, can cause air filters to clog and reduce air circulation throughout the home.
